Method for producing energy, and the use of a substance mixture for producing energy

Abstract

The present invention relates, in particular, to a process for generating energy, which comprises the following steps: provision or production of a propylene glycol/water mixture having a propylene glycol content of from 30% by volume to 94% by volume; production of hydrogen from the propylene glycol/water mixture, in particular by means of reforming; and conversion of the hydrogen into energy, in particular electric and/or heat energy, in particular by means of a converter by oxidation of the hydrogen, in particular in an electrochemical element, in particular a fuel cell.

1 . A process for generating energy, which comprises producing
 a secondary energy carrier from a propylene glycol/water mixture having a propylene glycol content of from 30% by volume to 94% by volume;   converting the secondary energy carrier into energy.   
     
     
         2 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the propylene glycol/water mixture has a propylene glycol content of from 30% by volume to 56% by volume. 
     
     
         3 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein heat energy evolved in the conversion of the secondary energy carrier is used in a supplementary manner in the production of the secondary energy carrier from the propylene glycol/water mixture. 
     
     
         4 . The process as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the heat energy is introduced into a reformer for producing the secondary energy carrier from the propylene glycol/water mixture. 
     
     
         5 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein water or water vapor is withdrawn from the offgas formed in the conversion of the secondary energy carrier, at least one feed gas and/or the ambient air by means of at least part of the as yet unreacted propylene glycol/water mixture, by means of a propylene glycol/water mixture having a propylene glycol content of more than 94% or by means of pure propylene glycol. 
     
     
         6 . The process as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the offgas, feed gas and/or the ambient air is passed through the propylene glycol/water mixture or propylene glycol and/or is conveyed past an exchange area to water or water vapor and is in contact with the propylene glycol/water mixture or the propylene glycol or brought into contact therewith. 
     
     
         7 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the propylene/water mixture is produced directly from carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide, hydrogen and water, 
     
     
         8 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said secondary energy carrier is hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide. 
     
     
         12 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said secondary energy carrier is produced by means of reforming. 
     
     
         13 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said energy carrier is electric and/or heat energy, 
     
     
         14 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said secondary energy carrier is converted into energy by means of a converter by oxidation of the hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide. 
     
     
         15 . The process according to  claim 14 , wherein said converter is an electrochemical element. 
     
     
         16 . The process according to  claim 15 , wherein said electrochemical element is a fuel cell. 
     
     
         17 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the propylene glycol/water mixture has a propylene glycol content of from 56% by volume to 60% by volume. 
     
     
         18 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the propylene glycol/water mixture has a propylene glycol content of from 60% by volume to 70% by volume. 
     
     
         19 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the propylene glycol/water mixture has a propylene glycol content of from 70% by volume to 80% by volume. 
     
     
         20 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the propylene glycol/water mixture has a propylene glycol content of from 80% by volume to 94% by volume.